Spring break is right around the corner, which means many families are getting ready to ditch the snow and ice and head for the surf and sand.
In my opinion nothing serves as a better backdrop for a family photo than bright blue skies, cobalt water and pale, sugary sand. On the flipside nothing can ruin your expensive camera faster than scorching hot temperatures, salt water or tiny pieces of sand getting lodged in all the wrong places.
I grew up in Hawaii and learned the hard way what can happen to photo equipment when it is exposed to the elements for an extended period of time. I used to think placing my camera in between my beach towel and t-shirt would serve as ample protection. That was until my high school pal ended up accidently sitting on my camera with his wet swim trunks.
These days I am older and wiser and never take my camera to the beach for the day without bringing along a cooler to protect it. You could purchase a cheap, disposable Styrofoam cooler and have your camera share space with ice packs and beverages (though make sure it is placed in its case and then put in a clear plastic Ziploc bag), but I prefer toting mine in one of those small zippered, collapsible coolers. The particular model I own comes with outer pockets made specifically for Blue Ice packets, which help keep the cooler’s contents dry and cool.
I would also recommend packing a container of Wet-Ones in your beach bag as well. I once made the mistake of snapping shots of my friends frolicking in the surf without first wiping off residual sunblock from my hands. Doing so caused the rubberized skin on my camera to become discolored. It’s a good idea to either wash your hands or at least wipe them with a Wet-One prior to handling your camera if you come in contact with sunscreen, oil or sand.
Finally, if you plan to take your camera anywhere near the water (you’ll need to if you want to capture your son catching his first wave on that rented boogie board) you should seriously consider purchasing a waterproof camera case. As I mentioned in a previous blog, my favorite brands are Otterbox, Pelican and Anvil. All three do a superior job in keeping out moisture, sand and dust. And their “shoot-through” thin plastic coverings allow you to take pictures without removing your camera from the case.
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